Beth Kephart

I learned a lot about Ursula Nordstrom's remarkable career from this engagingly illustrated picture book biography. The sweet story begins with her youth as a lonely only child whose parents later divorced. After high school, she gradually worked her way up the publishing ranks to become editor-in-chief of children’s books at Harper and Row. She always maintained a connection to the wildness of being a kid and ushered in a new generation of children's book writers and artists who didn't talk down to or preach to children. Her favorite books of all were “good books for bad children.” This is a life-affirming and heartwarming story, ending with her retirement at a cozy cottage with her same-sex partner. The illustrations are unique and complement the energy of the writing.… (more)

First sentence: Ursula Nordstrom
was a grown-up
who never forgot
what it was to be a child.

Premise/plot: Chances are children are clueless when it comes to knowing who Ursula Nordstrom is. (Perhaps most parents as well.) But there's a HUGE possibility that you've read aloud to your little one a book edited by Ursula Nordstrom. Nordstrom was a children's book editor.

My thoughts: I greatly enjoyed this book celebrating books. I loved learning more about her contribution to the world of children's books. I had heard of her before--having studied children's literature at a graduate level.

I loved the way this one was written.

My favorite quote:

And she would remind anyone who called stories
too naughty, funny, or scary
that there were all kinds of children who need all
kinds of books:
books for children who feel sad
books for children who get mad
books for children who feel different
books for children who are lonely
books for children who have secrets.
Once, when Ursula was asked
to explain why she, a grown-up
who had not gone to college,
who had never been a teacher or librarian,
had any business making books for children,
she declared:
"I am a former child, and I haven't forgotten a thing."… (more)